
When a judge may have overlooked the appropriate process, from denying the polling outright to doing nothing soon after a juror or two reveal they’ve changed their decision. The polling process also provides either side a way to appeal the conviction. Whatever the reason behind the change in decision, the justice system gives the prosecution and defense a chance to ensure the credibility of the process.Ī verdict isn’t final until the court puts it on record, so a judge must allow for time for every juror to be polled.

Maybe one juror felt pressured during deliberations or the person may have been a victim of jury tampering. When a poll is being done, a juror may still be able to change their mind. Lawyers will request a poll to determine whether the decision is a unanimous verdict.

A judge asks each juror is then asked what their vote was during the deliberations. Some defense and prosecuting attorneys may also request the court to poll the jurors. Polling the Jury After a Guilty or Not Guilty Verdict To ensure the verdict is unanimous, lawyers may ask to poll jurors. A jury that may vote 10 for guilty and two for not guilty will mean a guilty verdict for the defendant. In minor crimes, some states may allow a majority vote over a unified vote. A unanimous guilty verdict is necessary for major criminal cases, like capital murder. The verdict, in general, must be unanimous. For civil cases, jurors may find in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant.
Judgment notwithstanding the verdict trial#

It determines who’s at fault, to what degree and what penalties must be applied. The justice system is in the business of seeking the truth.
